Rhinos under attack

Updated 8:41 AM ET, Tue October 15, 2013

Rhinos under attack4 photos

Rhinos under attack – Rhinos have been under attack in recent years by rampant poaching. Highly equipped criminal syndicates target their horns, which are highly coveted in southeast Asia for their supposed healing powers.

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Rhinos under attack4 photos

Rhinos under attack – Poaching rates have soared recently in South Africa, home to about 75% of the world's rhinos. Rhino horns are being sold for a top dollar in parts of southeast Asia, where they are believed to cure all kinds of conditions.

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Rhinos under attack4 photos

Rhinos under attack – To deal with the crisis, South Africa requested permission to launch a once-off legal sale of its stockpiled rhino horn in the hope of quelling poaching.

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Rhinos under attack4 photos

Rhinos under attack – A rhino horn and ivory chopsticks and bracelets are all on display at Hong Kong's Customs and Excise Department offices on November 15, 2011, after authorities seized a container shipped from South Africa.